Me at Shakespeare’s House

Hello every-one I’m just back from having a few days holiday in Statford-Upon-Avon. I’ve been out and about playing the tourist after attending the Militaria show at Stoneleigh on Sunday. I had quite a few things on my shopping list including a large US flag which I need for when I play Normandy this June plus a few new 1940s outfits which I was able to get at Dress Circle. It’s a great place to find out what the buzz is for the year on the 40s scene and to catch up with friends.
I’ve been staying the last few days at The Falcon Hotel in Stratford which I know from having played there a few years ago. For those of you who follow my blogs- you will know I was last in Stratford the end of December when I was out shopping for bargains. This time I came back to see the sights and one of my first ports of call was Shakespeare’s House.

Tour guide Katie Neville!

So often when I’m working I don’t get the time to see the sights and I really enjoyed Shakespeare’s house and chatting to tour guide Katie Neville. One thing I didn’t know was Shakespeare’s father was a Glover which is why there are so many references to gloves in his plays. I also found the linen wall paper very interesting which was nailed to the beams and then painted in situe. The colours and designs are both bold and beautiful and one design they had on display is a copy of a hanging which can still be found in Oxford for all to see in Pizza Express. I must make a point to visit!

Linen Wallpaper copied from Oxford’s Pizza Express!

While I was there Katie asked me to do a video record for the Shakespeare Birth place trust web-site. I don’t know if it is up yet as I haven’t checked but here is a link and for all you clever computer people out there keep watching! www.livingshakespeare.com
Ofcoruse when it comes to getting your photo taken in Stratford there’s no shortages of Chinese tourists who will oblige. As most of you know I wear 1940s clothes nearly all the time and one Chinese tour guide thought I was part of the Shakespeare museum. The fact my clothes were from a completely different century didn’t seem to register and then he asked me if I could take his group of 30 and did I speak Chinese. To which I said “No but I can sing in Japanese if that helps any”? It didn’t but then they all went on to flash me with every possible camera going!

Shakespeare’s Church!

The Fourteas Tea Room!

Just up the road and the other side of the RSC Theatre is Shakespeare’s Church. The full title being The Collegiate Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity. A bit of a mouthful so I can see why most people just call it Shakespeare’s Church. It has a beautiful organ and some lovely carvings and up by the high autar is Shakespeare’s grave. So I’m really pleased I had the chance to visit. Once I’ve written this blog I shall put up some more of my photos on my face book page so do follow the link http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fiona-Harrison-A-Voice-in-a-Million/143965822288531

Another great find was discovering “The Fourteas Tea Room” by chance. A wonderful place to have lunch or even high tea as everything is off ration. The attention to detail is suburb and so to was the service. I enjoyed a salmon and cucumber sandwich, an Earl Grey tea and a slice of carrot cake – Yummy! So if you ever find your-self in Stratford – Upon- Avon I recommend you visit. The Fourteas tea room is in Sheep Street and here is a link to their web-site.
www.thefourteas.co.uk
Well time is ticking on and now I’m back home I’ve loads of paper work and e-mails to catch up on. Oh before I forget thank-you Guy Grasby for your WW1 links. You wont believe this but while I was in Stratford I picked up the perfect skirt for WW1 in Laura Ashley of all places. It has inserts in the back seams which gives me the freedom of movement with-out having to go into a War Crinoline and comprise on style.
Time for bed now I think. Thank-you for following and Toodle Pip!

Me at Shakespeare’s House

Hello every-one I’m just back from having a few days holiday in Statford-Upon-Avon. I’ve been out and about playing the tourist after attending the Militaria show at Stoneleigh on Sunday. I had quite a few things on my shopping list including a large US flag which I need for when I play Normandy this June plus a few new 1940s outfits which I was able to get at Dress Circle. It’s a great place to find out what the buzz is for the year on the 40s scene and to catch up with friends.
I’ve been staying the last few days at The Falcon Hotel in Stratford which I know from having played there a few years ago. For those of you who follow my blogs- you will know I was last in Stratford the end of December when I was out shopping for bargains. This time I came back to see the sights and one of my first ports of call was Shakespeare’s House.

Tour guide Katie Neville!

So often when I’m working I don’t get the time to see the sights and I really enjoyed Shakespeare’s house and chatting to tour guide Katie Neville. One thing I didn’t know was Shakespeare’s father was a Glover which is why there are so many references to gloves in his plays. I also found the linen wall paper very interesting which was nailed to the beams and then painted in situe. The colours and designs are both bold and beautiful and one design they had on display is a copy of a hanging which can still be found in Oxford for all to see in Pizza Express. I must make a point to visit!

Linen Wallpaper copied from Oxford’s Pizza Express!

While I was there Katie asked me to do a video record for the Shakespeare Birth place trust web-site. I don’t know if it is up yet as I haven’t checked but here is a link and for all you clever computer people out there keep watching! www.livingshakespeare.com
Ofcoruse when it comes to getting your photo taken in Stratford there’s no shortages of Chinese tourists who will oblige. As most of you know I wear 1940s clothes nearly all the time and one Chinese tour guide thought I was part of the Shakespeare museum. The fact my clothes were from a completely different century didn’t seem to register and then he asked me if I could take his group of 30 and did I speak Chinese. To which I said “No but I can sing in Japanese if that helps any”? It didn’t but then they all went on to flash me with every possible camera going!

Shakespeare’s Church!

The Fourteas Tea Room!

Just up the road and the other side of the RSC Theatre is Shakespeare’s Church. The full title being The Collegiate Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity. A bit of a mouthful so I can see why most people just call it Shakespeare’s Church. It has a beautiful organ and some lovely carvings and up by the high autar is Shakespeare’s grave. So I’m really pleased I had the chance to visit. Once I’ve written this blog I shall put up some more of my photos on my face book page so do follow the link http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fiona-Harrison-A-Voice-in-a-Million/143965822288531

Another great find was discovering “The Fourteas Tea Room” by chance. A wonderful place to have lunch or even high tea as everything is off ration. The attention to detail is suburb and so to was the service. I enjoyed a salmon and cucumber sandwich, an Earl Grey tea and a slice of carrot cake – Yummy! So if you ever find your-self in Stratford – Upon- Avon I recommend you visit. The Fourteas tea room is in Sheep Street and here is a link to their web-site.
www.thefourteas.co.uk
Well time is ticking on and now I’m back home I’ve loads of paper work and e-mails to catch up on. Oh before I forget thank-you Guy Grasby for your WW1 links. You wont believe this but while I was in Stratford I picked up the perfect skirt for WW1 in Laura Ashley of all places. It has inserts in the back seams which gives me the freedom of movement with-out having to go into a War Crinoline and comprise on style.
Time for bed now I think. Thank-you for following and Toodle Pip!

Today I have been out and about performing for Chinese New Year. A bit of a difficult one on the face of it but nothing I couldn’t handle. So I put on my oriental dress and went all party with the 50s and 60s. I had hoped it might be the year of the Chicken or Rabbit as I have songs to cover both from my Easter Bonnet show but being the year of the Horse the closest I could get to it was the line “hold your horses” in the Frank Sinatra song “Nice and Easy”.
While I was having my nails done this morning I was asked by one of the girls if I would be dressing up as a dragon? It did make me laugh rather. My reply was “Only George finds me so – regardless of weather I wear my costume or not – ha ha”!
My diary is filling up with more and more requests for WW1 shows and after today it did make me think that perhaps I ought to look at the number “Chinatown my Chinatown”. Written in 1910 it’s a great opening number and if you have ever been to see the Panto Aladdin it’s usually the number they use to open the show. I always feel it’s good to have a song for every occasion and to be honest I don’t know many other Chinese songs which would work – so perhaps I ought to invest in it. Mind you after this morning maybe I ought to do “Puff the Magic Dragon” – now there’s and idea. I could spin it over for St Georges Day too!
When it comes to WW1 I’m finding the interest is really growing which is making me think I could do with another costume which I can wear and work in during the day. The hobble skirt looks great but not easy to drive in. I’m always dashing from show to show and I often like to turn up for my day time shows already dressed to perform which saves me time. The problem with WW1 is there are two distinctive looks. The hobble skirt and what they call the War crinoline. The War crinoline has a bell shaped skirt and is usually worn with a drooped waist and looks dreadful. It does nothing for anyone so I don’t really want to go there although it does give greater movement. I’m thinking I might wear knickerbockers with button or lace up boots but knickerbockers at that time were really only ever worn by women on the farm or for cycaling. What I need is something smart and stylish so I shall keep with it and get my thinking cap on.
For those of you who have been following me on face book you will have come across my new forgotten video which was hidden in my computer. It’s me performing with the Milton Keynes City Orchestra Big Band and was taken a few years ago. I’m singing my War Time sing along medley which has been a real main stay of my 1940s act. I had the medley written in 1995 for 4 piece and then it was made into a backing track not long after. In 1998 I had the parts written out for Big Band which is what you can hear on the video and last year my friend Bill wrote the parts out for me for concert band. I also had the backing track re-done last year too so it’s been a great medley. If you haven’t seen the film yet just click onto my you tube button in the top left hand corner and you can view the film on my channel.
Tomorrow I’m in London and then on Sunday I will be up at the Stoneleigh Militaria show so looking forward to that very much. I shall then be away for a few days as I’ve planned to have a bit of a break in Stratford Upon Avon and the Cotswold’s as I like the area very much and I want to play the tourist! So something else to look forward to.
When I get back I will tell you all my news. Well that’s everything for now keep watching and Toodle Pip!

Today I have been out and about performing for Chinese New Year. A bit of a difficult one on the face of it but nothing I couldn’t handle. So I put on my oriental dress and went all party with the 50s and 60s. I had hoped it might be the year of the Chicken or Rabbit as I have songs to cover both from my Easter Bonnet show but being the year of the Horse the closest I could get to it was the line “hold your horses” in the Frank Sinatra song “Nice and Easy”.
While I was having my nails done this morning I was asked by one of the girls if I would be dressing up as a dragon? It did make me laugh rather. My reply was “Only George finds me so – regardless of weather I wear my costume or not – ha ha”!
My diary is filling up with more and more requests for WW1 shows and after today it did make me think that perhaps I ought to look at the number “Chinatown my Chinatown”. Written in 1910 it’s a great opening number and if you have ever been to see the Panto Aladdin it’s usually the number they use to open the show. I always feel it’s good to have a song for every occasion and to be honest I don’t know many other Chinese songs which would work – so perhaps I ought to invest in it. Mind you after this morning maybe I ought to do “Puff the Magic Dragon” – now there’s and idea. I could spin it over for St Georges Day too!
When it comes to WW1 I’m finding the interest is really growing which is making me think I could do with another costume which I can wear and work in during the day. The hobble skirt looks great but not easy to drive in. I’m always dashing from show to show and I often like to turn up for my day time shows already dressed to perform which saves me time. The problem with WW1 is there are two distinctive looks. The hobble skirt and what they call the War crinoline. The War crinoline has a bell shaped skirt and is usually worn with a drooped waist and looks dreadful. It does nothing for anyone so I don’t really want to go there although it does give greater movement. I’m thinking I might wear knickerbockers with button or lace up boots but knickerbockers at that time were really only ever worn by women on the farm or for cycaling. What I need is something smart and stylish so I shall keep with it and get my thinking cap on.
For those of you who have been following me on face book you will have come across my new forgotten video which was hidden in my computer. It’s me performing with the Milton Keynes City Orchestra Big Band and was taken a few years ago. I’m singing my War Time sing along medley which has been a real main stay of my 1940s act. I had the medley written in 1995 for 4 piece and then it was made into a backing track not long after. In 1998 I had the parts written out for Big Band which is what you can hear on the video and last year my friend Bill wrote the parts out for me for concert band. I also had the backing track re-done last year too so it’s been a great medley. If you haven’t seen the film yet just click onto my you tube button in the top left hand corner and you can view the film on my channel.
Tomorrow I’m in London and then on Sunday I will be up at the Stoneleigh Militaria show so looking forward to that very much. I shall then be away for a few days as I’ve planned to have a bit of a break in Stratford Upon Avon and the Cotswold’s as I like the area very much and I want to play the tourist! So something else to look forward to.
When I get back I will tell you all my news. Well that’s everything for now keep watching and Toodle Pip!

My GI Jive WAC Show!

Firstly I’d like to thank David Boyle for putting together a wonderful show reel of my performances at Chatham’s “Salute to the 40s” from last Septembers show. It’s great to have a record of events and what better way of capturing the moment than to have a film made. In fact I hope to invest quite a bit in film over the next few years so keep watching and I shall keep you posted!
If you haven’t yet seen my show reel then just click onto the You Tube button in the top left hand corner of my web-site and it’s the first film you come to. As soon as my sight goes mobile we will be including a video and show reel page which will make viewing a great deal easier so something to look forward to!

Me in my Tartan at Bella’s Burns Night!

Yesterday I was performing in Harrow at the Middlesex New Synagogue my “GI Jive” show which I have to say went down really well. Trudy the lady who booked me very kindly invited me to lunch before hand and I had a really interesting chat with a gentleman about musical arrangements. Many of the arrangements I use have a Jewish influence and when I think about it my favourite composers and lyricists are Jewish too. I use alot of Andrew Sisters style arrangements in my act which are very Jewish in their construction so needless to say my “GI Jive” show was a real hit with Monday’s audience!
For those of you who follow me on face book you will have probably have seen my photos from Bella’s Burns Night. Today I was e-mailed a couple thanks to photographer Paul Watkins and here you can see me in traditional dress. It’s traditional in Scotland for ladies to wear a white dress with a tartan sash when attending a ball and for those of you who know me will know I have an outfit for every occasion.
Well it’s getting late and I want to be up and out early to the gym tomorrow as I’m having lunch with my friend Betty Page. When ever I dine out I always like to have a good work-out first. I’m just getting back into the swing of things after twisting my ankle and it was my first time back to the gym today after my accident.
That’s about all my news for now. I’ve shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday before going away to Stoneleigh for the Militaria fair. There are one or two things I need and I always enjoy catching up with friends. Time for bed now I think. Thanks for following and Toodle Pip!

My GI Jive WAC Show!

Firstly I’d like to thank David Boyle for putting together a wonderful show reel of my performances at Chatham’s “Salute to the 40s” from last Septembers show. It’s great to have a record of events and what better way of capturing the moment than to have a film made. In fact I hope to invest quite a bit in film over the next few years so keep watching and I shall keep you posted!
If you haven’t yet seen my show reel then just click onto the You Tube button in the top left hand corner of my web-site and it’s the first film you come to. As soon as my sight goes mobile we will be including a video and show reel page which will make viewing a great deal easier so something to look forward to!

Me in my Tartan at Bella’s Burns Night!

Yesterday I was performing in Harrow at the Middlesex New Synagogue my “GI Jive” show which I have to say went down really well. Trudy the lady who booked me very kindly invited me to lunch before hand and I had a really interesting chat with a gentleman about musical arrangements. Many of the arrangements I use have a Jewish influence and when I think about it my favourite composers and lyricists are Jewish too. I use alot of Andrew Sisters style arrangements in my act which are very Jewish in their construction so needless to say my “GI Jive” show was a real hit with Monday’s audience!
For those of you who follow me on face book you will have probably have seen my photos from Bella’s Burns Night. Today I was e-mailed a couple thanks to photographer Paul Watkins and here you can see me in traditional dress. It’s traditional in Scotland for ladies to wear a white dress with a tartan sash when attending a ball and for those of you who know me will know I have an outfit for every occasion.
Well it’s getting late and I want to be up and out early to the gym tomorrow as I’m having lunch with my friend Betty Page. When ever I dine out I always like to have a good work-out first. I’m just getting back into the swing of things after twisting my ankle and it was my first time back to the gym today after my accident.
That’s about all my news for now. I’ve shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday before going away to Stoneleigh for the Militaria fair. There are one or two things I need and I always enjoy catching up with friends. Time for bed now I think. Thanks for following and Toodle Pip!

Me at Bella’s Burns Night!

I know it’s late but I just wanted to do my blog quickly for you tonight so I would have a free day tomorrow. It’s been a busy couple of days and I’m pleased to say it wont be long now before you will be able to see my web-site in mobile format. I looked over the designs with Rachel on Thursday so I’m looking forward to when it’s all done and moving on into the modern world.
I’m not long back from Bella’s Burns Night Ball as I was booked to sing for the drinks reception songs from the 1940s and 50s. I’m pleased I had my big rig with me as it was held in a large marque in Bella’s garden at West Park. When I left, the Charity auction was just getting under way and everyone seemed to be having a great time. Tonight I was able to include Loch Lomond from my back catalogue. I had this track done when I toured in the 1940s stage musical “How HOVIS Won the War”. In it I played a Wren by the name of HOVIS who defeats a Beastly U-Boat plot to over run the Highland Park Whisky distillery. The show was set in Orkney and I sung Loch Lomond with a 1940s swing feel so it was lovely to bring it out again and sing it tonight for Bella!

Singing at Gerry’s Wake!

Friday was a very busy day as I left at 8am to be in Chipping Campden for Gerald Tyacks funeral. Gerald had made a very special request that I should sing Lilli Marlene at his funeral which was held at St James’s Church. I was asked to sing at his Wake too which was held at the Fire Service Collage in Moreton-in- the- Mash and I included all his favourites from the 1940s being ex RAF. The family had arranged a fly over which was a very fitting tribute to a great man. They had also requested that I should wear my WAAF uniform as it was Gerald who sold it to me when I visited his Wellington Aviation Museum 8 years ago. So although a sad occasion I felt very honoured!
If you are ever in Moreton-in-Marsh do visit Gerald’s museum it’s a wonderful place and Gerry will be sadly missed www.wellingtonaviation.org/docs/
Tomorrow I’m taking my friend Bill out for lunch to say thank you for helping me when I twisted my ankle. I’m getting stronger with everyday although it’s still a little week and I’m only just getting use to heels. On Monday I will be performing my new “GI Jive” show at the Middlesex New Synagogue so looking forward to that very much. Oh I almost forgot – Rachel has just down loaded my Chatham Show Reel taken at “Salute to the 40s” last September by a David Boyle. So if you get the chance do take a look by clicking onto my You Tube button on my web-site.It’s the first video you come too and I think David has done a wonderful job as it really shows off my many costumes and a real variety of songs. www.fionaharrison.biz
Time for bed now I think Thank-you for following and Toodle Pip!

Me at Bella’s Burns Night!

I know it’s late but I just wanted to do my blog quickly for you tonight so I would have a free day tomorrow. It’s been a busy couple of days and I’m pleased to say it wont be long now before you will be able to see my web-site in mobile format. I looked over the designs with Rachel on Thursday so I’m looking forward to when it’s all done and moving on into the modern world.
I’m not long back from Bella’s Burns Night Ball as I was booked to sing for the drinks reception songs from the 1940s and 50s. I’m pleased I had my big rig with me as it was held in a large marque in Bella’s garden at West Park. When I left, the Charity auction was just getting under way and everyone seemed to be having a great time. Tonight I was able to include Loch Lomond from my back catalogue. I had this track done when I toured in the 1940s stage musical “How HOVIS Won the War”. In it I played a Wren by the name of HOVIS who defeats a Beastly U-Boat plot to over run the Highland Park Whisky distillery. The show was set in Orkney and I sung Loch Lomond with a 1940s swing feel so it was lovely to bring it out again and sing it tonight for Bella!

Singing at Gerry’s Wake!

Friday was a very busy day as I left at 8am to be in Chipping Campden for Gerald Tyacks funeral. Gerald had made a very special request that I should sing Lilli Marlene at his funeral which was held at St James’s Church. I was asked to sing at his Wake too which was held at the Fire Service Collage in Moreton-in- the- Mash and I included all his favourites from the 1940s being ex RAF. The family had arranged a fly over which was a very fitting tribute to a great man. They had also requested that I should wear my WAAF uniform as it was Gerald who sold it to me when I visited his Wellington Aviation Museum 8 years ago. So although a sad occasion I felt very honoured!
If you are ever in Moreton-in-Marsh do visit Gerald’s museum it’s a wonderful place and Gerry will be sadly missed www.wellingtonaviation.org/docs/
Tomorrow I’m taking my friend Bill out for lunch to say thank you for helping me when I twisted my ankle. I’m getting stronger with everyday although it’s still a little week and I’m only just getting use to heels. On Monday I will be performing my new “GI Jive” show at the Middlesex New Synagogue so looking forward to that very much. Oh I almost forgot – Rachel has just down loaded my Chatham Show Reel taken at “Salute to the 40s” last September by a David Boyle. So if you get the chance do take a look by clicking onto my You Tube button on my web-site.It’s the first video you come too and I think David has done a wonderful job as it really shows off my many costumes and a real variety of songs. www.fionaharrison.biz
Time for bed now I think Thank-you for following and Toodle Pip!